Dawn- An age of Darkness

Chapter 164 - The Aftermath

Now that I had most of the other stuff settled, I tried to assess the current situation. "Why am I here?"

I addressed the most pressing question at hand. It was weird for a hero such as me to be treated in such poor magnitude. I did know I was no hero though. But then again considering how they treated me in front of their people, it wasn't all that surprising. 

"We- we couldn't disclose that Aa-Araan-" Jowy stuttered.

He couldn't look me in the eye.

Imazael patted Jowy's shoulder and came forward. "We couldn't tell the people that a prince tried to murder his own father."

"So, you framed me?"                     

"Yes. But only you. That's why your companion was forced to leave the country," She added.

Now I'll be hated for something I didn't do? Perfect! What else can you do to me!

"So, what now? You'd execute me?" My voice rose significantly. I was excited and that wasn't good for my health.

"Not quite."

Jowy spoke up. "Actually you're already dead: at least to the general public. "

"Is that so? So, what are you plotting? Is it an irony of fate? You said you'd be emperor soon and here we are!" I ignored my pain and asked.

"It was my prophecy. I had seen in a vision a hundred years ago, that Jowy would be the emperor. But he was too weak, that's why I suggested he take a journey. And that's how he met you," she said and smiled faintly. "And though some things didn't change, fates have changed for more than one individual." 

"So, you guys knew everything?"

If they did know then how could they pretend to be normal and let it all unfold? That was just- just unfair.

"Not all of it. I didn't know that most of my family would perish and I didn't know Brenda would die either," Jowy said, looking down on the floor.

"But that night you didn't use your full potential. You're the one who said that!-"

I was cut off by Imazael. "Did he forget to mention that he needs a lot of dead bodies around him to cast actual spells?"

"Huh?"

"I use a limited style of magic. Unlike you, I can't manifest my own soul and use it as magic. I need the souls of people who fell by me in numbers greater than ten to cast a single spell." Jowy's eyes sparkled. "Naturally all I can do is, produce meager flames and nothing else, without sacrifices. My curse is weaker than Lianne's. Hence my eyes aren't as dark as hers." It was as though tears fought against his will to fall. But in the end, his will won and not a single drop leaked. "And that's also why I couldn't use magic like her."

"And you expect me to believe that?" I wanted to chuckle but after seeing his face, I couldn't. 

"Think about it. What happened to your body after you cast that spell? Could you cast one more?"

"I see." He was right. After just one spell I was spent. Even the old man couldn't cast more than three or four wind blades. Meaning, he did have a point. And yet, I still didn't want to believe him.

Fate was really a fickle thing. All I could do was laugh at it.

"But I must say I'm really thrilled to meet someone like you. You have almost infinite potential in holy magic. Lord Trerortra himself has given you this blessing. It is really a rare thing to see." Imazael was excited if nothing else.

"I guess so." 

Or it could have been Sisrael as well. After all, she shared her soul with me.

But then again, Terortra did say good things about wishing me luck and all. So it was very much possible.

"You can use holy magic? That's so cool. Almost like a paladin!" I had almost forgotten that the cell next to me wasn't empty. 

Now that we had light, I saw their faces. He really was younger than me; almost like a high school student. He had a good face and looked skinny like me; a little shorter than me though, but definitely more handsome. 

The other guy had his eyes closed. "You can keep your fetishes to yourself.  Can't you see they are having an important conversation?" For a demon, he seemed courteous. He was even taller than me and definitely much more muscular. He did seem somewhat humane apart from the horns. Even his skin was strangely human.

"That reminds me, why are they here?" I asked.

"They assaulted Lady Imazael-" Jowy said, bitterly. Judging by his tone, he was really pissed the two.

"You mean HE assaulted her-" The demon said, pointing at the guy.

"Hey! It was just a kiss!" The teen refused. But then again, trying to kiss someone he just met for no reason at all without any consent? He definitely deserved this if nothing else.

Imazael cleared her throat. "Gentleman let's not get carried away too much now." She looked straight into my eyes and smiled. "You will be freed and accompanied by elves out of Alfeim. After that, you can travel the world or seek greater strength."

"First, I don't want anything to do with elves. Second, seeking strength is pointless now. With my arm gone, my strength has halved. And third, get me the hell out of here and bring me my things." Okay, maybe I was demanding way too much. But Jowy at least owed me that much.

"Although it's true that your arm is gone but as long as you possess the will to get stronger, you will-" she said.

That sentiment pissed me off. My left arm was gone and they were being philosophical. "Anybody can say things like that, but how much of that is true?"

"Depends on how much you want it to."

"Get some good rest. We will release you tomorrow. But I must say that curse really is something. I didn't think you'd survive this time," Jowy said, ignoring everything else.

"Now that you mention it…"  My stomach rumbled in agony. 

He got the hint. "I'll tell someone to bring some food."

"Umm… Excuse me! When do we get to leave?" The guy in the next cell raised his hand. Was he in kindergarten?

"Let me think. How about never?" Jowy had an intimidating face. However, he soon burst into laughter.

They laughed and left: but I got the nagging feeling that Jowy was serious. Before leaving that woman left me a present.

"I found her chewing on some roses, in the garden. Please don't let her run wild like that," She said.

"Biteria!"

I hugged my lovely rabbit. But as I did so, my body throbbed in pain. 

Bad idea! But I'm glad…

Some time passed and I opened the letter from the geezer.